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One cannot subsist on beaches and boardwalks alone. But when beach-bay-barbecue becomes an all-too-familiar rotation, a plethora of festivals and special events will break up the monotony.
Festivals run the gamut from odes to seafood to family-friendly jazz fests. Gastronomes and junk food junkies alike will delight at the wide-ranging offerings at summer's special events.
Some of the following events may deliver surprises, while others celebrate what we love about Jersey Shore summers. But all please the wallet. Unless otherwise noted, admission is free, and vendors charge separately for food.
MONMOUTH COUNTY
Red Bank Jazz and Blues Festival: Marine Park, Wharf Avenue and West Front Street, Red Bank. The Sonny Kenn Band, the Deanna Bogart Band and the Houston Person Quartet will each headline one of the event's three nights. Children's activities add to the family atmosphere. 5-10 p.m. June 5, noon-10 p.m. June 6, noon-6 p.m. June 7. www.redbankfestival.com or (732) 933-1984
Shakespeare in the Park: Devine Park, Fifth and Warren avenues, Spring Lake. The Bard's work comes to the Shore when thespians perform ""Much Ado About Nothing.'' Bring blankets, chairs and your own picnic dinner to enjoy before the show begins. 7:30 p.m. July 30-31, Aug. 1, 6-8. www.shakespearebythesea.net or (732) 449-0577
Highlands Clamfest: Huddy Park, Waterwitch and Bay avenues. The 15th annual fest will feature four days of clams from local restaurants and clam-eating and shucking contests. Parking is free. 6-11 p.m. Aug. 6-7, noon-11 p.m. Aug. 8, noon-8 p.m. Aug. 9. Special ride bracelets are offered Aug. 6 and 9. www.highlandsnj.com or (732) 291-4713
Ocean Township Italian Festival: Joe Palaia Park, Deal and Whalepond roads, Ocean Township. The annual festival of the township Italian American Association features games, rides and zeppoli for all … paesani or not. 5-11 p.m. Aug. 12-13, 16; 5-11:30 p.m. Aug. 14; 5-midnight Aug. 15. A special discount on ride tickets will be offered Aug. 12. E-mail: info@iaato.com
OCEAN COUNTY
Red Wine and Blues: Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W. Main St., Tuckerton. Five local wineries will present their finest reds for attendees to taste while enjoying several blues bands. A bottomless glass costs $20. 3-8 p.m. July 11. Admission: $15, Seaport members, $20 for nonmembers. www.tuckertonseaport.org or (609) 296-8868
New Jersey Ice Cream Festival: Washington Street, Toms River. Ice cream lovers will unite in the downtown area to sample and judge flavors from local and national creameries. 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. July 18. Parking is free. Tasting kits to sample and vote cost $6. www.icecreamfest.com or (732) 341-8738
Traditional Americana Music Show: Albert Music Hall, 131 Wells Mills Road, Waretown. Five country, bluegrass and western musicians will bring the heartland to the Pinelands in a special show hosted by Western Music Association award winner Al Krtil. 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15. Admission: $5 for adults, $1 for children. www.alberthall.org or (609) 971-1593
Seaside Heights Mardi Gras Weekend: Summer may unofficially end on Labor Day, but September still brings warm weather. Seaside Heights will jump all weekend Sept. 11-13 with a boardwalk bed race at 6 p.m. Sept. 11, fireworks at 8 p.m. Sept. 12 and a seafood fest from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 13 on Grant Avenue. Bars and nightclubs will offer Mardi Gras-themed parties and promotions. www.seasideheightstourism.com or (800) SEA-SHOR (800-732-7467)
